UAV Industries: Remote Pilot Licence (RPL) Course

• Qualification: Certificate (Accredited)

RPL Training Part 1: Theory

Until further notice, UAV Industries will continue to offer theory training online via live, instructor-led sessions as described above, or via self-learning on our new e-platform.  This opens access to prospective students from all over South Africa and internationally.

Students should have a stable internet connection and camera enabled tablet or laptop to support video conferencing.

Theory training covers a wide range of subjects, followed by multiple choice examinations.

• Air Law
• Flight Planning and Navigation
• Meteorology
• Human Factors
• Multi-rotor Technical and Principles of Flight

Duration of theory component: 5 days

Once all theory training has been covered, students will be required to complete and pass the required multiple-choice exams based on theory content.  Exam times are flexible and can be arranged individually.

In addition to the theory exams, students will be required to complete:

Restricted Radio License training (theory and practical included in above)

English Proficiency Exam, which includes an oral interview with examiner (exemption might be available for some tertiary degrees or English first language).

RPL Training Part 2: Practical

The practical component of the RPL Training Course is very flexible in terms of timings as it is scheduled around the student’s individual availability. Practical training consists of 1-to-1 training sessions.

• Training slots are booked online in advance for convenience.
• UAV Industries does not actively limit the flight training to only a few hours as some flight schools do.
• Duration of practical element depends on students’ skill, experience, progress, availability and weather conditions (allow 4 – 8 weeks on average)

The practical training component culminates in a practical exam or skills test called a ‘Sign Out’ with a Designated Flight Examiner.

Career Choices

Aerial Photography and Videography

• Aerial Photographer: Capture high-quality aerial images for events, real estate, or tourism.
• Videographer/Filmmaker: Create cinematic drone footage for movies, documentaries, or advertisements.

Surveying and Mapping

• Land Surveyor: Use drones for topographic mapping and site analysis.
• Geospatial Data Specialist: Collect and process geographic data for industries like mining, construction, and urban planning.

Agriculture and Precision Farming

• Drone Agronomist: Monitor crop health, irrigation, and soil quality using drone technology.
• Farm Operations Specialist: Implement UAV technology for pest control, crop spraying, and field assessments.

Infrastructure Inspection

• Structural Inspector: Use drones to inspect bridges, dams, and buildings for maintenance and safety.
• Utility Inspector: Conduct aerial inspections of power lines, pipelines, wind turbines, and telecom towers.

Environmental and Conservation Work

• Wildlife Monitoring Specialist: Use drones to track wildlife, prevent poaching, and conduct habitat studies.
• Environmental Researcher: Analyze environmental changes and conduct surveys in inaccessible areas.

Emergency Response and Public Safety

• Search and Rescue Operator: Deploy drones for locating missing persons or disaster management in remote areas.
• Firefighting Support Specialist: Use drones to assess fire spread and guide firefighting efforts.

Delivery and Logistics

• Drone Delivery Pilot: Operate drones for delivering medical supplies, parcels, or other goods in urban or remote areas.

Security and Surveillance

• Security Drone Operator: Monitor large premises, events, or public spaces using UAVs for surveillance.
• Border Patrol and Law Enforcement: Assist in patrolling borders or conducting aerial reconnaissance for investigations.

Media and Marketing

• Content Creator: Use drone footage to create compelling content for brands, tourism, and social media.
• Drone Journalism: Capture aerial footage for news reporting or live event coverage.

Training and Consulting

• Drone Instructor: Train aspiring UAV pilots in obtaining their RPL certification.
• Drone Consultant: Provide guidance to businesses on integrating drones into their operations.

Advanced UAV Operations

• BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) Operator: Conduct long-range drone operations for specialized projects (with additional certification).
• Payload Operator: Manage drones equipped with advanced sensors for industrial or scientific applications.

Military and Defense

• Military UAV Pilot: Support defense operations with reconnaissance and tactical missions.
• Counter-Drone Specialist: Work on technologies to prevent unauthorized drone activities.

Business and Entrepreneurship

• Drone Services Business Owner: Start a business offering drone services, such as photography, inspection, or delivery.
• Drone Retailer: Sell UAVs, accessories, and related technologies to professionals and hobbyists.

Research and Development

• UAV Developer: Work on the design and development of new drone technologies.
• Data Analyst: Analyze data collected by drones for research or commercial purposes.

With the RPL certification, graduates are equipped to explore diverse career paths in industries where drones are transforming traditional processes, ensuring a future-proof career in a technology-driven world.